MVP Health Care, a nonprofit health insurer in New York and Vermont, announced Oct. 1 that its Medicare Advantage members will be eligible for free telehealth visits at the start of the new year.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, Medicare Advantage members can use MVP's telehealth tool myVisitNow to connect with a physician or healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or mental health professional, using a smartphone tablet or computer.
Since 2018, MVP has seen a fivefold increase in myVisitNow usage by senior members, with 17 percent of all Medicare Advantage visits being for behavioral health therapy or psychiatry needs.
MVP comprises more than 65,000 members across New York and Vermont. In 2020, the insurer will increase coverage to seven new counties in New York.